Narutaki Brewery, Yamaguchi 11/20/11

Sun rising over our "floating island" - beyond the MCAS Iwakuni's F-18 flightline - from BR balcony. It's about 7:15 AM & we're leaving soon on a bus trip to Yamaguchi that promises to be FUN!


We found a cute bunny cake while getting our coffee at the Crossroads on-base coffeeshop. This is for you, Barbara!


I love this beautiful Kintai Bridge bus! We always get lots of attention on the expressways when we travel in this one.


Driving through the tollbooth getting onto the Sanyo Expressway. What a NICE way to travel!


Just an hour later, we've stopped at the Kudamatsu rest area. Good thing because we all have coffee to "download". . . My more faithful readers will recognize the name "Kudamatsu"city because of Stan's "3rd Best Mustache in Japan" award a few years ago . . .


Stan and Friend - horses seem to be the theme here.


Oh - look at the goodies in the bakery. Always my favorite place in these fabulous rest areas!


These buns say "Kudamatsu"


And pandas . . .


Oh - there's Izac and Jessica!


And Jessica kindly took a picture of both of us - I appreciate this Jessica - thanks!


A cute booth outside at the rest area, where roasting chestnuts smell wonderful!


Beautiful Autumn leaves . . .


And after only another hour - we're here!


Wow - what a beautiful and rustic building! I LOVE it!


Inside the large dining room.


Looking from the large dining room into our "private" sunroom - with closing glass doors. Guess they know we'll be typically noisy Americans?!?!?!?!?


Our tablemates. What a FUN group!


Appetizers have now arrived - yummy variety! And look at the perfect little red rose in the center! There were beautiful roses all around the entrance where we walked in . . .


Jessica and LaRoyce.


Salad & sausage course . . . and more drinks . . .


Our very attentive and VERY patient waiter brings yet MORE drinks. This will happen for 2 hours while we also eat our fabulous meal!


Fabulous fresh (and light!) Japanese pizza - thin crispy crust & fresh veggies!


And fresh-baked breads . . .


Cecelia & Stan - uh-oh - I know that face & it looks like Stan's having fun.


Margie and Tommy. We're all friends here today!


This is our nameplate. I first thought that the Japanese characters were our name (how cool!), but soon saw that everyone's was exactly the same, except for their English name - so then I found out it just means "Mr" or maybe "Mr & Mrs"?


And the final entree is steak & veggies! Yum - but I'm already pretty full! I have to say this was one of the MOST delicious & tender steaks I've ever eaten . . .


Yep - Stan's happy .


Jessica shows me the cool way she does her hair with a beautiful clip. Hmmm - maybe I can learn it easier another day???


What a pretty drink! We had all sorts of drink options in addition to beer, sake, wine . . .


Wow - what's that on the cart near the kitchen?


Oh, it's a HUGE shaved out block of parmesan - WOW!


Looking into the kitchen where the fabulous chefs are VERY busy.


And above the kitchen the vaulted ceiling of this beautiful main dining room. See that table with the brown thing on it?


OMG - IT'S A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN ! ! ! ! !


Dream come true! Click below to watch this brief video . . . FUN!


And here's what I brought back covered in hard chocolate . . . yum!


I should have been suspicious when Stan declined the chocolate and instead opted for another whiskey to accompany his dark beer.


Our table after we all walked (or staggered) away. Needless to say, everyone ate and drank their fill!


As did those at all the tables around us!


Walking past the spotless brewery behind a glass wall on our way out.


Back outside, Stan's gone into the bus for a short nap . . .


But I want to hike around this beautiful area & walk off some of my huge meal, and Jessica and Izac have invited me to join them. This smaller building is where outdoor weddings are held. There was one taking place when our bus arrived, and then they moved inside to enjoy their wedding reception.


Cosmos are still in bloom here.


And pink are my very favorite! I know this is my photo - but I LOVE IT!


Now we've walked the building where we ate - the skylights are at the top of the vaulted ceiling. We're walking toward a waterfall that comes out of the mountain behind the building.


Wow! After a few minutes' walk, we found a spring falling over some BIG rocks. Guess "It's the Water!" here that (also) makes such good beer???


Stone statue in the forest near the waterfall.


We've walked back from the waterfall area and all the way around the other side of the building. Look at these cute roof windows!


And stained glass windows with blue shutters on the side. Oh, I could SO live here!


We're back at the parking lot now, looking up at the main building of the brewery. It's a really gorgeous late Autumn day. Look how blue the sky is now & it's time to go - 2:30 PM . . .


An hour later, we're at another rest area for our "half-way home" break . . .


Cute food vendor vehicle . . .


Look at the flower planters built around the posts at the rest area - how cute!

Another hour's drive and we arrived home, and Stan went straight to bed! Guess there are some advantages to being older AND more experienced. ;oD
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